| Graduation Year | Class of 1972 |
| Date of Birth | Jan 02, 1954 |
| Date of Passing | Sep 30, 2024 |
| About | Timothy Ray Lee, 70, passed away peacefully on September 30th, 2024, in Wooster, Ohio, surrounded by family. He was born on January 2, 1954, in Zanesville, Ohio, Tim was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many. As a fun-loving individual, Tim was the life of the party among his friends and a fiercely protective family man. Tim graduated from Zanesville High School in 1972, playing varsity football as an offensive and defensive starter. He and his best friend Duane Wilson received the nation's first annual Vincent T. Lombardi award as the top linemen in Southeastern Ohio. The Lombardi trophy symbolizes the discipline required of football linemen who must endure winter fitness drills, summer practice, and the actual season—all without the glory enjoyed by the backfield members. Tim and Duane were the first in the nation to receive this award, recognizing outstanding athletic achievements and character, following the example set by NFL Hall of Fame Head Coach Vince Lombardi. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Economics (BSBA) degree from Defiance College in 1976, on a football scholarship. During his stellar collegiate football career, Tim was the co-captain and named All-Conference and an All-American. In 1975, he was invited to play in the 4th Annual College All-Star Football Game, the All-Ohio Shrine Bowl. Tim was later inducted into the Class of 2010 Defiance College Athletic Hall of Fame. He continued his football career post-college with the Washington Redskins in 1976. Still, he had his NFL aspirations cut short due to knee injuries and made the difficult decision to retire from football that very same year. Tim’s professional career after football was marked by significant achievements in the beverage industry, where he worked for notable companies such as Vernors, Coca-Cola, Sarasota Beverage, National Distributing Company, Labatt’s USA (22 years), Anheuser Busch, and then later in Bev USA. In 1980, Tim was voted Outstanding Young Businessman by the Jaycees and amassed numerous regional and national awards and accolades throughout his professional career. After a distinguished career, he retired in 2015 as a Senior Key Account Manager for InBev USA. Outside of his professional and athletic endeavors, Tim was a member of the Northern Lights Masonic Lodge #0040 in Maumee, Ohio, and the Scottish Rite Freemasonry Valley of Toledo, where he received his 32nd degree masonic ring alongside his father, Derl Lee. In his free time, Tim enjoyed collecting antiques, watching sports, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends. He was an avid deer hunter and set a regional Ohio record for the largest deer in the area. He cherished time spent with his three sons, two daughters-in-law, and five grandchildren, whom he adored. He loved reminiscing over a cold beer while catching an OSU football game. Tim is survived by his three sons, Jonathan (Lori) Lee of Wooster, Ohio, Jacob (Katherine) Lee of Chicago, IL, and Christopher Lee of Denver, Colorado, and their mother, Julie Meier-Lee. He leaves behind his greatest loves, his five grandchildren Cora, Maxwell, Vivian, Henry, and Joshua Lee. He also leaves behind his beloved siblings Katrina Shepard and Heidi (Eric) McPeak, both of Zanesville, Ohio, and many nieces and nephews he cherished. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William & Cleo Lee, Fredrick & Gladys Coleman, parents Derl & Carmen Lee, nephew Shawn McPeak, and uncle/aunt John & Sis Burns, who were very special to him. Friends and family may call Friday, October 11th, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME, 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE, 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE OHIO, and one hour prior to the funeral service which will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 12, 2024. Burial will follow at the Chandlersville Cemetery. |
